Iphone 6 Plus Vs Iphone 6 Was The Bigger Screen Really Worth It 2

When Apple introduced the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus in 2014, they marked a turning point in smartphone design. For the first time, Apple embraced larger screens, responding to years of consumer demand for more display space. The iPhone 6 featured a 4.7-inch display, while the 6 Plus brought a full 5.5 inches—Apple’s largest iPhone at the time. But beyond the numbers, the real question remains: was the bigger screen of the 6 Plus truly worth the trade-offs compared to the more compact 6?

This article dives deep into the practical differences between these two landmark devices, examining not just specs, but how those specs translated into everyday use. From one-handed operation to media consumption, battery endurance to camera capabilities, we’ll explore whether the extra inches delivered meaningful benefits—or simply made the phone harder to use.

Design and Ergonomics: Size Matters

The most immediate difference between the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus is size. The 6 Plus measures 158.1 x 77.8 x 7.1 mm and weighs 172 grams, making it significantly larger and heavier than the iPhone 6’s 138.1 x 67.0 x 6.9 mm and 129 grams. That may not sound like much on paper, but in hand, the difference is substantial.

The iPhone 6 still allowed for comfortable one-handed use for most people. Swiping across the screen, reaching the top corners, and typing without shifting grip were all feasible. The 6 Plus, however, pushed the limits of palm-sized usability. Users with smaller hands often had to switch to two hands or resort to Apple’s Reachability feature (double-tapping the home button to bring the top of the screen down).

Tip: If you prioritize pocketability and single-hand use, the iPhone 6’s form factor remains more practical despite its smaller screen.

Yet, that larger chassis wasn’t just about screen size—it also accommodated a bigger battery and enabled new software features like landscape app interfaces on iOS. In apps like Messages, Calendar, and Mail, the 6 Plus could show dual-pane views when held horizontally, mimicking iPad functionality. This subtle enhancement improved multitasking efficiency for power users.

Display Quality and Usability

Both phones used Retina HD displays, but the resolution and pixel density differed. The iPhone 6 had a 1334x750 resolution at 326 ppi, while the 6 Plus stepped up to 1920x1080 at 401 ppi. While both looked sharp, the 6 Plus offered noticeably crisper text and smoother image rendering, especially when viewing high-resolution photos or watching HD video.

For media consumers, the 6 Plus was a game-changer. Watching YouTube videos, reading e-books, or browsing websites felt more immersive. Scrolling through long articles caused less eye strain due to reduced line breaks and better spacing. Gamers appreciated the extra screen real estate for controls and visuals.

“Larger screens don’t just increase content visibility—they change how users interact with their devices.” — Dr. Lisa Tran, Human-Computer Interaction Researcher

However, the increased brightness and resolution came at a cost: higher power consumption. While the 6 Plus had a larger battery, its display demanded more energy, narrowing the gap in real-world efficiency.

Battery Life: Where the 6 Plus Shines

If there was one area where the iPhone 6 Plus clearly outperformed its sibling, it was battery life. Apple rated the 6 Plus for up to 24 hours of audio playback, 12 hours of talk time, and 10 hours of internet use—significantly ahead of the iPhone 6’s 14 hours audio, 14 hours internet, and 8 hours talk time.

In real-world testing, the 6 Plus consistently lasted a full day and a half for moderate users. Heavy users still needed a nightly charge, but they experienced fewer midday panic charges. The iPhone 6, by contrast, often required recharging by late afternoon under similar usage patterns.

Metric	iPhone 6	iPhone 6 Plus
Screen Size	4.7\"	5.5\"
Resolution	1334x750	1920x1080
Battery Capacity	1810 mAh	2915 mAh
Talk Time (3G)	14 hrs	24 hrs
Internet Use	10 hrs	12 hrs
Weight	129 g	172 g

The larger battery also made the 6 Plus a better travel companion. Business travelers, commuters, and photographers appreciated not needing external chargers as frequently. For anyone who spent long stretches away from outlets, the 6 Plus offered peace of mind.

Camera Performance and Optical Image Stabilization

Both phones shared the same 8MP rear sensor and f/2.2 aperture, but Apple equipped only the iPhone 6 Plus with optical image stabilization (OIS). This was a pivotal difference. OIS compensates for hand shake by physically adjusting the lens, resulting in sharper low-light photos and smoother video recording.

In dimly lit environments—restaurants, indoor events, night walks—the 6 Plus consistently captured clearer images with less blur. Video footage was noticeably steadier, even when walking while filming. For casual photographers, this meant fewer retakes and higher-quality memories.

Tip: If you frequently take photos in low light or record handheld video, the iPhone 6 Plus’s OIS provides a tangible advantage over the standard 6.

Additionally, the 6 Plus supported 1080p video at 60fps, offering smoother motion capture than the 6’s 30fps limit. While not essential for everyone, videographers and social media creators valued the enhanced fluidity.

Real-World Example: A Day in the Life

Consider Sarah, a freelance journalist who used her iPhone for note-taking, interviews, photo documentation, and email. She initially preferred the iPhone 6 for its lightweight feel and ease of handling during interviews. However, after switching to the 6 Plus, she found several advantages:

• She could type faster on the larger keyboard with fewer typos.
• Reading research articles and editing drafts was less straining on her eyes.
• Her interview recordings were clearer thanks to improved audio capture and stable video.
• She no longer carried a portable charger—her phone lasted through back-to-back meetings.

Despite missing the compact size, Sarah concluded that the productivity gains outweighed the ergonomic drawbacks. For her workflow, the 6 Plus wasn’t just “bigger”—it was more capable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was the iPhone 6 Plus too big for most users?

For many, yes. Its size made pocketing difficult, especially in tight jeans or small bags. One-handed use was limited, and some users reported hand fatigue during prolonged use. However, users who prioritized screen space and battery life generally adapted well.

Did the iPhone 6 Plus justify its higher price?

At launch, the 6 Plus cost $100 more than the 6. Given the added benefits—OIS, longer battery, superior display, and multitasking features—many found the premium justified, particularly professionals and heavy users.

Can the iPhone 6 handle modern apps today?

Limitedly. While basic functions still work, app updates have dropped support for iOS versions compatible with the iPhone 6. Most newer apps either won’t install or run slowly due to hardware constraints. The 6 Plus, with slightly better internals, has marginally better longevity but faces similar limitations.

Final Verdict: Was the Bigger Screen Worth It?

The answer depends on your priorities. If portability, comfort, and one-handed use are paramount, the iPhone 6 remains the smarter choice. It delivers excellent performance in a manageable package and was Apple’s sweet spot for users reluctant to go large.

But if you value screen real estate, extended battery life, better camera stability, and enhanced multitasking, the iPhone 6 Plus was a legitimate upgrade—not just in size, but in capability. It laid the foundation for Apple’s future phablets, proving that bigger could be better when thoughtfully executed.

The iPhone 6 Plus wasn’t merely a stretched version of the 6; it was a different kind of device—one optimized for consumption, creation, and endurance. For users ready to adapt to its size, the benefits were real and lasting.

💬 Do you remember choosing between the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus? Share your experience—was the bigger screen worth it for you?